Majority Leader Hoyer Statement on Indictment of Rep. William Jefferson

For Immediate Release:

June 4, 2007

Contact Info:

Stacey Farnen Bernards(202) 225 - 3130

WASHINGTON - House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer released the following statement today regarding the federal indictment of Rep. William Jefferson (LA):

"Democrats have shown by enacting tough rules changes and recently passing ethics reform legislation that we are committed to preserving the people's trust in the House.

"As is the law in our nation, Mr. Jefferson is innocent until proven guilty.

"However, the charges leveled against Congressman Jefferson today are extremely serious. If these charges are found to be true, they would not only constitute a major criminal violation but also be a grave breach of House ethical standards."